Babe isn't just an endearing term, though. If used by a loved one to another loved one, as you're suggesting, it certainly is. I would never argue that such usage is sexist.
I would, however, argue that a "cafe babe" isn't endearing, or referring to young humans.
As Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary defines it:
1. a baby or small child.
2. an inexperienced or naive person.
3. Slang.
a. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. a girl or woman.
b. (sometimes cap.) an affectionate or familiar term of address.
I'm looking at definition 3a. The context tells me it's probably not 1 or 2, and 3b doesn't make much sense as there is no prior established relationship or context for which a familiar or affectionate tone to take (it's just two words, after all).
Anyway you're right, it's probably an overreaction, I just don't think we should pretend like we suddenly don't know what the word "babe" means at the first sign of trouble.
I would, however, argue that a "cafe babe" isn't endearing, or referring to young humans.
As Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary defines it:
I'm looking at definition 3a. The context tells me it's probably not 1 or 2, and 3b doesn't make much sense as there is no prior established relationship or context for which a familiar or affectionate tone to take (it's just two words, after all).Anyway you're right, it's probably an overreaction, I just don't think we should pretend like we suddenly don't know what the word "babe" means at the first sign of trouble.